Moving from Amarillo, TX to Columbus, GA
Relocating 1109 mi from Amarillo to Columbus is a 19h 58m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1109 mi Β· 19h 58m by car Β· GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β AL β MS β TN β AR β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 22, US 280 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Memphis, Little Rock, Norman, Oklahoma City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 89.296 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 89.666 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 96.332 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 61.185 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 2.7% under Amarillo β $206,787 β $173,152 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Columbus +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 51.8" |
Expect 6.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, COLUMBUS #2, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 204,383 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $56,622 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 17.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.54 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.7% lower in Columbus than Amarillo.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,210 | $36,160 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,270 | $24,510 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,950 | $28,800 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,170 | $34,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 7,820 | $65,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Columbus average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Columbus averages 51.8 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Columbus, GA from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 1109 mi and the route typically takes 19h 58m via I 40 and I 22. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Columbus more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 2.7% lower than Amarillo (89.296 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $173,152 in Columbus vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 16.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Amarillo vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $56,622 in Columbus vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 9.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1109 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $38,490 in the Columbus MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 113,970 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Columbus, GA.